In a crime that has sparked widespread outrage across the Northeast, a woman was allegedly gang-raped by seven men in front of her boyfriend on a bypass road near Silchar. In a chilling display of modern-day criminality, the accused reportedly forced the victim to transfer ₹10,000 from her bank account via UPI after the assault.
The Incident: A Night of Horror
According to police sources, the incident occurred late at night on a secluded bypass road a few kilometers from Silchar city. The victim, a 28-year-old woman, was inside a car with her boyfriend when an SUV carrying the accused intercepted them.
"The accused first questioned the couple about their presence there. Without warning, they turned violent, dragged them out, and held the boyfriend at gunpoint while they took turns assaulting the woman," a family member told reporters, quoting the victim's statement.
The official complaint, lodged on February 19 at the Silchar Sadar Police Station, states that there were approximately seven men involved. The boyfriend was allegedly forced to watch the entire ordeal helplessly.
Digital Robbery: The ₹10,000 Online Transfer
In a disturbing twist that highlights the convergence of physical violence and cyber-enabled crime, the victim was forced to make a digital transaction post-assault.
Police officials confirmed that one of the accused used the woman's phone to transfer ₹10,000 from her bank account to his personal account. The transaction was completed through a UPI app while the victim was in a state of shock.
The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 70(1): Gang Rape
- Section 308(5): Extortion by threat of death
- Section 310(2): Robbery
- Section 351(2): Criminal intimidation
- Section 61(2): Unlawful act by two or more persons
Manhunt Underway: Two Held, Five Still at Large
Superintendent of Police (Cachar) confirmed that based on the victim's identification, two accused have been arrested. However, five others remain absconding, and a massive manhunt has been launched across the district.
"Teams have been formed to raid possible hideouts. We are analyzing technical evidence, including the digital transaction trail, to track the remaining accused," a senior police officer involved in the investigation said.
Journalist Assaulted: Press Freedom Concerns
The case took a political turn when a local journalist was allegedly assaulted by family members of one of the accused on Tuesday. The journalist, who was covering the story, was stopped near the National Highway Road Police Station, questioned about his reporting, and physically attacked.
Bystanders reportedly rescued the journalist, who later filed a complaint. Police have arrested one person in connection with this assault.
Political Outrage: Sushmita Dev Demands Action
Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev has demanded strict action against the perpetrators. Taking to social media, she tagged senior police officials, seeking an update on the investigation.
"These kinds of crimes shake the conscience of society. I demand a fast-track investigation and the harshest possible punishment for the accused to set an example," Dev stated.
A Disturbing Pattern: Recent Gang Rape Cases in India
This Assam gang-rape case comes just days after similar horrifying incidents were reported across the country, indicating a disturbing trend of public spaces becoming unsafe for women:
- Uttarakhand (February 24): A woman was gang-raped in front of her brother-in-law in Rudrapur by his friends, who held the male family member at knifepoint.
- Chhattisgarh (February 18): A 17-year-old minor was allegedly gang-raped by two youths in Jashpur district while returning home from a village event.
- West Bengal (October 2024): A medical student was gang-raped in Durgapur after her male friend fled the spot, leaving her behind.
Police Appeal: Avoid Misinformation
As the Silchar news spreads like wildfire on social media, local police have issued an appeal to the public not to spread unverified information.
"We urge citizens to rely only on official updates shared by the police handle. Spreading rumors can hamper the investigation and create unnecessary panic," a police spokesperson said.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have assured the public that all five absconding accused will be apprehended soon.
